Anti-Corruption Centre to Open at Higher School of Economics

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The Centre, headed by Alexey Konov, will be engaged in research and analytical and consulting activities in the field of anti-corruption, as well as in programmes of continuing education intended for state and municipal employees in particular.

Alexey Konov

According to Alexey Konov, the Centre’s main priorities are to provide methodological support of anti-corruption policy and to provide supervision in accordance with the National Anti-corruption Plan for 2018-2020, as approved by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation. The Centre will also provide anti-corruption consulting services at the request of state and local governments and various organizations.

In addition, the Centre will provide analytical and expert support to Russian delegations in international anti-corruption forums, such as G20 and APEC. ‘We are planning to conduct joint projects with the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), as well as to develop collaborative relationships with relevant institutions in other countries,’ says Alexey Konov, who has recently become Chairman of the IACA Board of Governors.

Another important aim of the Centre will be the development of continuing education programmes (in accordance with national guidelines) for employees responsible for anti-corruption policy in state and local governments and other organizations, as well as for state and municipal employees and other employees subjected to the most stringent restrictions and duties in this regard.

‘So far, HSE hasn’t focused on continuing education programmes for anti-corruption specialists,’ explains Alexey Konov. ‘We plan to launch a range of educational programmes—both distance learning programmes and full-time programmes, differing in content and duration for different target groups. The first full-time programmes for employees of organizations under the jurisdiction of federal state bodies will start in March-April.’

The continuing education programmes will be taught by leading anti-corruption experts. The Anti-Corruption Centre will work in cooperation with other HSE structural units, including the HSE Center for Analysis of Executive Authorities Activity.

‘We plan to involve HSE students as research assistants in the Centre, but training HSE students and doctoral students as anti-corruption specialists will not be our priority,’ says Alexey Konov. ‘The Centre’s endeavors will not overlap with those of the HSE Project Laboratory, which is mainly aimed at teaching students.’

All advanced undergraduate students and doctoral students with a demonstrated interest in anti-corruption, strong analytical skills, and experience in the field, regardless of major, can apply for internships at the Anti-corruption Centre. International experience and foreign language proficiency are additional advantages.